A proud diverse University

HERITAGE MONTH: Logo of
the Heritage month.
Source:sahistory.org.za

UJ proud of being a diverse University

September is Heritage month and the University of Johannesburg (UJ), as usual could not sit by and do nothing. The University of Johannesburg celebrates heritage month each and every year. The University’s aim for doing this annual event is to bring their students, staff and everyone involved together and celebrate their unique cultures as one. It also tries to make awareness to students so that they are proud of who they are and where they are from.

This year, this amazing event was held on the 28 September 2012 at the University’s main Campus, Kingsway campus. Almost all students from the University were proudly wearing their different and unique traditional outfits. There were stalls for each country were one would go and taste that countries food for free. There was competition for different countries to show case what they offer, and at the end winners were selected for best stall, best dance, best food and many more.

THE PROUD UNIVERSITY: The
University of Johannesburg logo
Source:sahistory.org.za

Some of the countries that were proudly represented on this excellent event were:

v  Zimbabwe

v  South Africa

v  Angola

v  Swaziland

v  Congo

v  Nigeria

v  Mozambique

University of Johannesburg has really changed this perception of people thinking that they cannot survive with people from outside the country. The event really brings the staff and students closer together as not just people who are from the same institution, but the people who are all proud of who they are and can accept others for who they are. This event helps students and staff to embrace and respect each other. Make them to appreciate their identity and share it with others.

Family day events in prisons



A PLACE FOR SECOND CHANCES: The
logo of the correctional services
Source:olx.co.za



We all make mistakes in life and we all deserve second chances. The Department of Correctional services is trying by all means possible that the people who are sentenced get the punishment they deserve, but at the same time helping them to become better individuals when they finish their sentence in prison. All prisoners have family days either once or twice a year.

It was on the 24 September 2012, Heritage day when I went to a family day in Leowkop prison. I was so amazed that even the people who have wronged the community get a chance to be with their family and friends inside the prison without the weirdly supervision from the prison warders. They were so free, looked so innocent and very neat with their orange uniform. They get a chance to freely talk with their family and friends. There are tents, chairs, Dj’s, Jumping castles, Braaing stands and many other things that are organized for that special day for them to be happy.

A lot of people have the perception that prisoners are devils and do not deserve a chance to go back to the society. They believe that if you are from prison you do not deserve to be treated like a human being. Prisoners go to jail because they broke the law or for many other reasons, but some of them go to prison for something they are not even guilty of.

The rehabilitation activities that the Department of Correctional services has in prisons are aimed at helping prisoners deal and accept that they are now in jail. The activities are aimed at helping them forget about many things but focus on themselves. These activities also educate them about life, give them skills and make them aware that they need to be better people for themselves and their families.

DISCOVERING OF TALENTS: Prisoners
who are doing a Theatre play. Source:olx.co.za

These activities, depending on which prison is it include:

v  Sewing

v  Boiler making

v  Computer skills

v  Cooking skills

v  Soccer

v  Choir

Studies have shown that even if other prisoners when they are set free go back and do the same or worse mistakes in society, but majority of them learn from their mistakes and become better and responsible individuals when they get out. I think that a lot of campaigns need to be done to change people’s perception about prisoners.

spring fiesta music festival

After the massive success of last year’s event, SPRING FIESTA returns with their enthralling synthesis of mind blowing visuals & festive beats at SA’s most prestige’s party playground…Wild Waters Complex in Boksburg. Soul Candi LIVE and Big Brother Productions team up again to create a dance floor memory that you will never forget. On 22nd September 2012, SPRING FIESTA will feature over 40 hand picked stars of the South African dance scene to perform on 4 stages feeding your party spirit

With winter just about over, this year's spring season kicks off to the tune of the second annual Spring Fiesta Music Festival. Last year, nearly 8000 house, hip hop and kwaito fans fed their party spirits at this event. This amazing event is mostly targeting students and the youth as a whole, as they deserve a break from books and work. It also tries to change the perception that as a student you can only focus on your books and nothing else. 

Some of the artists who will be performing:

HERE IT IS: Some of the artists who will be
rocking the Wild Waters. Source:imixwell.com




• The Layders
• Giggs Superstar
• Crazy White Boy
• DJ Kent
• LiquiDeep
• Mi Casa
• Black Coffee
• The Layabouts

Education is the key to all doors of sucess

It takes the whole village to raise a child. The National Book Week is an event celebrated all across the country. This year it was held from 3-8 September 2012. Schools, Municipalities and libraries all hosted diverse and unique activities to reinforce the fun of reading and books. The South African Book Development Council (SABDC) initiative is in proud association with the Department of Arts and Culture. Read more

THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY:
Kids who have started taking reading
and writing serious. Source:Ning.com

The title for the event was "Read a book, share a book", and it aimed at promoting the joy of reading among South Africans of all ages. The main event was hosted in the Eastern Cape this year from the 6-8 September 2012 in Port Elizabeth(now known as Nelson Mandela Bay). It is very nice to see that even our celebrities are making this event one of their first priorities, as they are our role models and have a way of persuading us to do certain things.

National Book week is slowly but surely becoming a new platform for people to voluntarily help in making sure that all South Africans get a chance to be educated. I think the National Book Week is fast becoming a premier reading event and a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) tool for the book industry. This event gives a chance to each individual to lend a helping hand, showing humanity (Ubuntu) by participating and making sure that more and more South Africans can read and write.

This initiative also creates awareness of every individuals indispensive role in society. If you did not know about this event its unfortunate for you because it has passed already, but you can look up for it again next year. South Africans lets all try to make a difference in other peoples lives especially through education, as we all know that its the only key to success.

Miss world and the power of social media

 A persons image and reputation is very important, as it has an impact on how people see and respect you as an individual. Your image can either break you or pave a way of success for you in the industry in which you are in. Your reputation has a way of determining your future in one way or the other. A big break turns into a nightmare for the 23 year old Wen Xioa Yu from Liaoning, China. She was crowned Miss World on the 18 August 2012.

This spectacular event was held in Ordos, China in the City of Mangolian. Wen became the center of controversy since she was crowned Miss World 2012. Her desire for the title was "When I was young I felt very lucky because so many people helped me, and I hope in the future I can help more children to feel lucky", said Wen. Sadly just after she was announced Miss World, the Social media networks like Facebook, Twitter and Miss China related articles went viral, as many people opposed her winning. Critics accused her of being rigged. Comments from people also pointed out that she won only because of favouritism. Read more

AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT: Miss World 2012
Wen Xioa Yu, from China
Source:www.fashionnstyle.com

Contestants for Miss World were given activities to do in order to gain points, and Wen did  not even win any of those activities. The activities and the winners for those activities were as follows:

• Modelling clothes for 1436, won by South Sudan
• Beach fashion, won by Wales
• Social media activity (to post photos), won by India
• Sports woman, won by Sweden

People complained that this is the second time Miss World was held in China and even the last time they hosted the event in 2007, the winner was from their home town. What kind of an incident is that? Another comment made it clear that the judges were no fair and wise in choosing the winner. People are saying there is no more credibility, fairness and transparency in such events. Judges should be impartial, free from prejudice, and not be affected (sic) by the screaming crowd, which the judges of Miss World 2012 did not have any of the above mentioned. 

I just wonder how Miss Yu feels about these opinions and criticisms after she thought she also deserved the title and gained it with hard work and determination. Will this affect her image in a good or bad way? Did she really deserve the title and if not, who is to blame for her winning of Miss World 2012???

A dissapointment to many

A MAN THEY WERE ALL WAITING FOR: George Michael
during his perfomance at the Olympics closing ceremony
Source:mirror.co.uk

It is not easy to start relationships, hence it is very important that once you start one you should maintain or sustain it. Many people would agree with me that when you have set a high standard, you must make sure that you do not in anyway lower that standard or disappoint the people you have made happy before.

It is quite sad and disappointing that the 2012 London Olympics Organisers failed to do that regarding the closing ceremony. With the breath-taking Opening ceremony that we all witnessed, the closing ceremony just left us tired and confused. We all were expecting the same or more vibe as the Opening Ceremony. Its a pity to the NBC (National Broadcasting Agency) News as it spent much time listening to people's complaints about the coverage provided. The NBC unfortunately chose to cut performances from the closing ceremony, costing U.S (United States) fans the chance of seeing their favourite stars like:


AFTER THE HANDING OVER: Eight minute segment celebrating
Rio's mix of culture, music and dance brimging a carnival atmosphere.
Source:.bbc.co.uk/news

• Kate Bush
• Muse
• The Kinks' Ray Davies
• Royal Ballet

The supporters were disappointed indeed as only one performance of George Michael was shown/published. The moment were volunteers received a standing ovation was also cut by the NBC, and the reasons for the cuts remain extremely controversial. While the big ratings make NBC feel good about their efforts that also means more people witnessed the network dropping the ball throughout the entire Olympics. Read more

Many people were left amazed and hanging by the closing ceremony and are unfortunately not looking forward to any other upcoming events such as this one. When the Olympics were held in Beijing and in Ethens, many artists were given a chance to perform unlike in London, where only London artists were given a chance to perform and showcase their talents. Its quite clear that this set a bad image and reputation for the NBC and the event organisers, but the question here is that will they gain people's trust and confidence again on their upcoming events???

An Opening to remember

OLYMPIC RINGS:  Representing both the Olympics and the Industrial
 Revolution are lit and lifted during the Opening Ceremony
Source: komonews.com

"Isles of wonder" was the title for the London 2012 Olympic Games. It was by no doubt that the Organisers of this event were well-trained, very skilled, passionate and determined individuals. This amazing ceremony accommodated everyone from children to old-aged people.

All people around the world from those who were watching the ceremony on their TV Screens to those who got an opportunity to witness it personally, surely felt the spirit of Olympics and witnessed the unforgettable moments of the opening ceremony. I can surely say that the Vibe was everywhere around the world. I am also sure that most people if not all can agree with me that this Spectacular opening ceremony was perfectly organised and media relations and media coverage was also generated in time. Everyone around the whole world was well aware of this Event long before it actually took place. Read more

Among the Countries that are taking part in the Olympics is:

• USA
• South Africa
• China
• Great Britain
• Russia
• France

SPECTACULAR LOGO: The 2012 London Olympics
games official colours. Source:komonews.com

Even myself was overwhelmed and very impressed by the opening scene as the stadium transformed into the British Countryside 'Green and pleasant', which included real farmyard animals.
"Our Isles of wonder salutes and celebrates the exuberant creativity of the British genius  in an Opening ceremony  that we hope will be as unpredictable and inventive as the British people", said Danny Boyle, Artistic Director of the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.

 

UJ gets a Spotlight

BEHIND IT ALL: The
National Science Week logo.
Source:www.ai.org.za

Once again in 2012, The National Science Week (NSW) took place in more than 89 sites including science centres in all nine provinces. The National launch was on the 28 July 2012 and the focus week was from Monday 30 July 2012-Saturday 4 August 2012 .The event was led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) got a fat chance of hosting the Launch at one of their four Campuses, Soweto Campus. The theme was 'The role of Science and Technology in Economic Development'. The University of Johannesburg and the National Science Week were in almost everyone's lips before the actual date of the launch. This event got a lot of publicity as it was on various Television programmes like the Qbase 28 before the launch.

 I think one of the good things is that at least 6000 learners from schools in Gauteng attended and they were exposed to things that interest and educated them. Parents, Community members, Guests and VIPs also got a chance to network and be the witnesses of this wonderful event. The day of the launch gave people a chance to build new and maintain old relationships.

MAKING A COMMAND: Minister of Science and Technology,
Naledi Pandor, commending learners to follow careers in 
Science and Technology at Soweto. Source: www.timeslive.co.za

There were very important people invited in the launch, which among them I can mention:

• Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor
• German Ambassador, Dr Horst Freitag
• Swiss Ambassador, Christian Meuwly
• Vice-Chancellor of UJ, Professor Ihron Rensburg 

On the day of the launch, the event was broadcasted on Metro FM, 5FM and SABC 2 which I think gave UJ a big publicity. Marshals for the event were UJ friendly students who attracted many learners to join Science and Technology and also be part of the happy family of UJ.

The big change: Good or Bad

BEHIND IT ALL: The logo for the
 18th SAMA
Source: lwmag

To plan a successful event it takes time, energy, patience and commitment. Knowing that you are dealing with and the expectations of the event helps you know how to bring a vibrant and spectacular event, which will make all your delegates, target audience and all other stakeholders talking non-stop  about your event. What does this all mean? Looking at this years South African Music Awards (SAMA), sponsored by MTN , they were unusual, innovative and something new as the MTN changed its Corporate identity by going Black and White instead of Yellow.

 I think they have brought some change and a lot of people were amazed. They also made an informed decision regarding Presenters by having as many Hosts as possible instead of just two for the whole Ceremony. Companies took part by sponsoring the event, KIA Motors gave away 4 whipping new Cars to lucky people. The sponsors like Heineken, Edgar's, Sowetan and others also got a lot of free publicity as that is the objective of Sponsorship.

BRING THEM ALL: Zahara,
who won 8 awards on the 18th SAMAs at Sun City
Source: lovesamusic

Zahara was the person who got the most Awards, which were 8. Change was really made by the Organisers but it does not necessarily mean all people enjoyed and liked the change. Among other great artists  who won were Micasa, AKA, Dj Cleo and many more. For more info



WE ALSO WANT SOME: Micasa group
which also won  a couple of Awards at the
 18th SAMAs held at Sun City.
Source:djsa



Once again in 2012



HOW MANY MUST WE EXPECT: One of the Nominees for the SAMA, Zaharra
Source:index-id-entertainment-sc-music



It is that time of the year again. We are only counting days to the 18th MTN South African Music Awards (SAMA) Ceremony. Last years Awards were such a Fiaasco, but I think this year a lot of changes will be made. I really think this Ceremony is such an inspiration to upcoming local Artists and should be supporrted by all fellow South Africans. Such kind of events are really Good because they show that we support and appriciate the amazing work of our own local artists.

 Read more

THAT LOGO AGAIN: The 18th SAMA logo
Source: yomzansi.com

 I really think its about time we stop filling up stadiums when we have International Artists and fail to support our own Artists.  Lets hope the Organisers of the event have really grown and up their gameas in the past the event would only feature few hosts but this year I bet we are in for a big suprise. This Rocking event will be held at Sun City, Johannesburg on Monday, 30 April 2012 and will be televised on SABC1 at 08h30pm. Come on South Africans lets do this one more time and give it our all. Tickets are available at Computicket, so go get yours. 

 These are some of the Sponsors of the SAMA:

THE BRAND BEHIND: Heineken, One of
the Sponsors for the SAMAs
Source: yomzansi.com

• SABC1
• Sowetan
• Edgars
• Heineken

The Parlotones Carbon Free Concert



(Palotones band) From left: Neil Pauw, Paul Hodgson, Kahn Morbee and Glenn Hodgson.
Source: rawentertainment

Perceptions of people towards things or event can be changed, but who can change them to the fullest matters. A  lot of Organisations these days use our Role Models or the people we look up to, to change our perceptions.

Parlotones member: Kahn Morbee
Source: jhblive

A well-known group band known as the Parlotones are no strangers to the fight against Global warming and understanding the importance of education. Their event of Global warming is in support of SABC3's Carbon-reducing initiative, by reforesting the Country, for more reading click here.

Their two-day event will be held at Carnival City's Big Top Arena on the 21 April at 20:00 and again on the 22 April at 16:00. This Live Music event is aimed at teaching and persuading the public to start or continue saving the Planet from things like Global Warming. This Band urges people save our planet by switching off unnecessary electricity appliances, going Green by recycling things like Papers, Glass, Cans and planting more trees.

In support of this event and being part of saving our planet, you can buy your Tickets at Computicket ranging from R161.00 to R212.00. Do not forget to put on your Catchy rock and Streaky eyeliner on the day. this event is not only about telling the publics that they should go green and save the enviroment but the aim from a Public Relations point of view is to change thier perceptions forever, that is why the other events they have been doing were effective and are continuing to be than the save the enviromment swich off your lights hour.

University of Johannesburg Freshers ball 2011

Lack of planning skills and talent can really lead to event failure and image of an organisation being underestimated in future. Last year in 2011, a lot of students from the University of Johannesburg and outside were looking forward to take a break from books and enjoy themselves a little. Students all had high expectations about the event of Freshers Ball but unfortunately they were disappointed.

These are some of the reasons:

• Students only knew about the event two weeks before.



UJ FRESHERS: Logo for UJ 2011 Freshers ball
Source: rawentertainment

• The event had venue problems and was postponed.
• The University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus was too small to accommodate all students who bought tickets, thus others had to go back home.
• Alcohol was sold inside, but even before the event was over Alcohol was already out of stock.
• Some of the artists who were suppose to perform did not perform.

As an Organisation, the type and success of the events that you host have an impact on how the public sees you. For a successful event, different departments involved in planning must all fully participate and not take each other for granted. Advertising,  Media relations and etc about an event must not be left for last minute things. Perceptions that the public has about an Organisation influences its success and future support that it will recieve from them.

Well its a new year now, and another Freshers ball for 2012 is on its way. People already have a negative perception about Freshers ball organised by the University of Johannesburg, but we will see if their perception will be proven right or rong. If the University of Johannesburg will up their standards in planning and improving their image.

Nissan Easter festival of 2012 on its way to rock big time

Source:www.nissan.co.za

It takes a creative, brilliant and constructive communications tean in an organisation to plan a spectacular event that will leave people thrilled. Nissan South African will be hosting a very spectacular and massive easter event on Saturday, March  31 untill Monday, April 9, 2012 at Kyalami, near Johannesburg in Gauteng. The most interesting part about this event is that the entrance will be free thus the kids will not be left out. Nissan lovers will get a free test drive which will take place at the Nissan Test-Drive station which is located in the Bernhard McHardy Arena. According the Nissan website , people are advised to bring their pets
along to the show and they can enter the Nutriphase Pooch Pageant and stand a chance to win wonderful prizes. Proceeds from entries go to selected animal welfare organisations.
Its in your own interest to come as there will be a variety of children’s activities including kiddies fun fair, carousel, camel and pony rides as well as an assortment of catering and stalls.

Other exciting activities include:• A visit from the Beacon Easter Bunny as he hands out Easter eggs
• A variety of catering options: tea garden, ice cream parlour and Club Snack Bar
• Stalls of all types: arts, crafts, organic market, bead work, home industries, pet accessories, horse tack and equipment
• Nissan Kiddies Fun Fair

What’s happening at the Nissan Easter Festival?
• The Adult SA Jumping Outdoor Grand Prix
• The Junior SA Jumping Outdoor Grand Prix
• The Pony Rider SA Jumping Outdoor Grand Prix
• Stal van Decraen Young Rider’s Dressage and Jumping Series
• Africa Cup Jumping, Dressage and Equitation Competitions
• Autumn Gold Cup Showing
• Nissan Test-Drive Station
• The Nutriphase Animal Carnival
• Stalls, Catering and Kiddies Fun Fair

The legend making wonders

The month of March was a month were many could not wait for the 10th to see their favourite star, Usher Raymond. The Grammy award winning super star made wonders at the Orlando stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg. He exceeded his fans expectations as he rolled on to the stage in style with lightning, thunder and visual effects.

http://eventslistsa.blogspot.com/

The amazing crowd of more than 25 000 people who could not stop screaming was a real proof that this was a well- planned event. This event also gave opportunities to our local stars like Durban based rapper Adbus who was selected to be one of the opening acts for Usher. Other well-known local artists like Liquid deep, Gang of Instrumentals, Zakes Bantwini and many more also took part in the event. We can really say that the Organisers made a thorough research about their target audience, production and Media relations & placement as the Media was all eyes and ears on the 10th at the Orlando Stadium.

This was an opportunity for people to network. Equipments, stage and lighting's were all ready and tested days before the Concert to assure the its success. To make less worries about transport, Rea Vaya's were arranged to take 20 000 fans from the Nasrec Rea Vaya stations at the Transport Hub near FNB Stadium stations to the Orlando Stadium. People who attended the event wished it could not stop and had no regrets of their money. This huge event was made possible by Hansa Pielsner and it really proved that Hansa Public Relations Practitioners really know how to prove their standard. Hansa Pilsner General Manager, Mosidi Seretlo was also impresed with an impresing job done by his team.

new name behide fashion

the newest fashion has arrived in the mercedes-benz fashion week joburg which was previusly know as joburg fashion week. with the new name behide it the it was time for events practitionerto get thier thinking caps and bring joburg alive in hyde park rooftop http://www.joburg.org.za/
events practitioner and organisers had to to work togther namely the mercedes-benz south africa hydepark corner,african fashion international and the kwazulu -natal fashion council to achive one common goal a successful event . the launch of mercedes-benz fashion week joburg was timely and signficant because it was the frist event of the year and it had to set the tone  for all the fantastic events and positined to make joburg a global fashion city.

the event had more than 25designerns just to name a few the kluk cgdt,david tlale,gavin rajah,thula sindi,spero viilliot, hemi,leightschubert, abigali keats abigalbets c0squared,fibian and more many.with 24 shows taking over four days to make the event more special the c-class c 1800 sedan was lunched by mecedes benz which is proudly south african made .the event was really a great success becauseit partnerd different organistion and has the bar for fashion and pr related events and promoting the city of joburg that is what we call pr events.

WORLD KIDNEY DAY (You can save a life)

 It is not only Doctors that can save lives, but also the Public Relations Practitioners by persuading and changing perceptions of people towards learning more about Kidneys and donating them to those who are in need. Kidney failure is a sudden loss of the ability of the Kidneys to take out waste and concentrate urine from the body without losing electrolytes.

According to Baxter International Inc, many patients who suffer from Kidney failure are at high risk of developing Heart disease. Statistics from the Pakistan Observer show that 16 000 people die each year due to Kidney failure, followed by another 10 000 of liver failure and 6 000 of heart failure every year. According to Dr. Sajjad an estimated number of 50 000 people die annually in need of human organ. World Kidney day is celebrated on every second Thursday of March in each and every year. Last year this day was celebrated in 110 countries across the world. This events success was made possible by the support of the Public Relations Practitioners who founded sponsors for the event.

On the 8 March 2012 Kidney day was celebrated all over the World. This years slogan was "Donate-kidneys for life-Receive". The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundation (IFKF) joined hands to raise awareness about the importance of Kidneys in our overall health, the impacts of kidney disease and the health problems we are at risk of facing. This is a World Wide event aiming at teaching people about the importance of Kidneys and how they can help save people's lives who are in danger and in need of kidneys.

The Sponsors and Organisers have played their part in spreading out the word, it is now up to you as an individual to play yours. The question is, will this awareness have an impact that is expected or what? Was the message clear and persuasive enough to change people's perceptions?

Please open this link to view the World Kidney Day video http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kLWGIjMHl5U